It’s been a few years since I first opened the curtains to cautiously peek outside the window that kept me in my comfort zone and the rest of the world…out there. Since that time, I’ve come to learn a lot about myself.

I’ve learned it isn’t just about me. It is about the challenge – and not only the challenge of completing an endurance event. Sure, that’s all good and nice; but the most important reason to power down the TV and get off the couch is to help others in the battlle many are facing, and far too many more have lost.

In the last two years, I’ve completed training for America’s Most Beautiful Bike Ride – a bicycle ride that took me 100 miles around Lake Tahoe in both 2012 and 2013. In order to complete the training, I worked with the Team in Training (TNT) group in my area.

I am once again joining forces with TNT. This time, with the help and support of the coaches, mentors, captains and friends, I will be working towards the goal of finishing my first triathlon, and I will do so in honor of all individuals who are now fighting or have ever fought blood cancers. These people are the real heroes on our team.

I believe we are close to finding a cure for blood cancers and, consequently, a cure for all forms of cancer. You can help make that belief a reality.

Here’s how you can make a difference:

Join me in my efforts to fight these terrible diseases by making a donation in support of my endeavor with Team in Training.

Every one of us has the opportunity to have an impact. Give all you can and know you are changing lives. Take comfort in knowing 78% of every dollar given goes directly to the Society’s mission in our area and 100% of your donation is tax deductible.

The Mission of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS):

Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. LLS is the world’s largest voluntary health agency dedicated to blood cancer. LLS funds lifesaving blood cancer research around the world and provides free information and support services.

The Short Term Goals for LLS:

Each year, LLS moves closer to their goal of finding a cure for blood cancer. This year to support their mission, they’ll be focusing on these specific goals:

Continue to fund blood cancer research projects that offer the best chance of accelerating development of new, promising treatment therapies

Give more people with blood cancer access to clinical trials

Give all people with blood cancer – at every stage of their journey – access to the information and services they need to fight and manage their disease